Regatta of the Great Maritime Republics

Regatta of the Great Maritime Republics

Late MayThe great maritime republics of Italy for which this event is named are Pisa, Genoa, Amalfi, and Venice. Although they no longer enjoy the wealth and power of medieval days, since 1956 the four cities have commemorated their former greatness with a friendly battle to rule the seas. The location rotates among the cities each year. Before the regatta begins, there is an elaborate parade with people dressed in period costume. Then the longboats—which were blessed by then Bishop Angelo Roncalli before he became Pope John XXIII—decorated to represent each of the republics take off on a 2,000-meter race.
CONTACTS:
Municipality of Pisa
Tourism Office, Via C. Cammeo 2
Pisa, 56100 Italy
39-50-8302-53; fax: 39-50-8302-43
www.comune.pisa.it/english